Nolan: Allardyce deserves CL chance

West Ham captain Kevin Nolan feels that Sam Allardyce is deserving of the chance to one day manage a club in the Champions League.

The 58-year-old led the Hammers to promotion via the Championship play-offs last term and the east London club currently sit ninth in the Premier League, having enjoyed a steady return to the top flight.

That, on top of his achievements at Bolton, convinced the midfielder that Allardyce should be at the top table.

“I think the boss deserves to be mingling with the top managers week in, week out,” he told reporters.

“I have lots of admiration for him and what he has done for me as a player.

“After working with him for a long time I firmly believe he belongs in the Premier League and I’m a bit gutted he hasn’t been given that chance with a really top club.

“He has worked at top clubs but I mean a club that is always in the top four or five so he can have a go at the Champions League.”